Endorsements: Ritter, Fonfara

October 21, 1992

Add this to the many reasons for returning Rep. Thomas D. Ritter to the Legislature: He's likely to be speaker if Democrats recapture control of the House, and that could be very advantageous for urban areas. And Mr. Ritter, 39, a knowledgeable, savvy, consensus-builder who has represented the 2nd District in Hartford's West End and Asylum Hill for six terms, could be a very good speaker.

Aid for distressed municipalities, health insurance and economic development are, appropriately, high on Mr. Ritter's agenda for the coming session. If re-elected, he must work hard on relief for those who pay Hartford's property tax.

Republican Peter Kuck, 46, a longtime neighborhood activist, is challenging Mr. Ritter. Mr. Kuck, who works for ITT Hartford Insurance Group, is thoughtful and sensibly touts better education. But he is unrealistic about the budget, favoring repeal of the income tax balanced only by spending cuts. Mr. Ritter can do more for Hartford and the state.

The Courant endorses Rep. John W. Fonfara, 36, in the new 6th District in Hartford's South End. He's running for a fourth term. Mr. Fonfara is a leading advocate of auto-insurance reform and ably takes care of his district's business at the Capitol.

A gifted campaigner, Mr. Fonfara has bested popular Democratic rivals in primary elections. He should have little trouble with the Republican challenger, newcomer Robert Coffey, 35. A self-employed contractor, Mr. Coffey is sincere and outspoken. He opposes the income tax and "career politicians." But he hasn't sufficiently prepared for the job of state representative